On-line gallery
- Reference number
- P01202
- Author
- Velázquez, Diego Rodríguez de Silva y (Spanish)
- Title
- The Buffoon Sebastian de Morra
- Chronology
- Ca. 1646
- Technique
- Support
- Measures
- 106 cm x 81 cm
- School
- Theme
- Shown
- Yes
- Entrance
- COLECCION REAL
- Procedence
- Royal collection
Don Sebastian de Morra was a
servant to the Cardinal-Infante don
Fernando in Flanders. He returned
to Spain in 1643 and entered the
service of Prince Baltasar Carlos,
dying in October 1649. It is known
that the Prince came to like him,
as is revealed in the former's
will, which left various sumptuary
objects to him.
Velasquez plays with the contrast
between this dwarf's serious and
meditative expression and his
physical deformity, which is almost
childlike. Thus, the painter offers
a reflection on the human
condition.
The work reveals Velasquez's
capacity to capture the dwarf's
seriousness and his profoundly sad
expression, emphasizing the
painter's feeling of solidarity
with the suffering of others.
Location on the map
